Wire dispensing device

ABSTRACT

An improved wire dispensing device for use on a cable lashing machine having a structure substantially as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,663,544 issued Dec. 22, 1953 to Joseph J. Harley is disclosed and comprises a support member secured on the machine and rotatably supporting a wire cartridge and having spaced pins to tension the wire and guide rollers to direct the wire from the device and toward the cable and supporting strand to be lashed together as exemplary of the inventive concept.

United States Patent Neale, Sr. 1 Mar. 14, 1972 [54] WIRE DISPENSING DEVICE 2,953,349 9/1960 Pfundt ..254/134.3 CL [72] Inventor: ggg f g z gg i g g gggg Primary Examiner-Othell M. Simpson Att0rney-Fishburn, Gold and Litman [22] Filed: Nov. 27, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 93,245 [57] ABSTRACT An improved wire dispensing device for use on a cable lashing machine having a structure substantially as shown and described in z i No 2,663,544 isued Dec. 22, 1953 to l 58] Field 134 3 CL Joseph .1. Harley IS disclosed and comprises a support member secured on the machine and rotatably supporting a wire cartridge and having spaced pins to tension the wire and guide [56] References Cited rollers to direct the wire from the device and toward the cable UNITED STATES PATENTS and supporting strand to be lashed together as exemplary of the inventive concept. 2,331,962 2/1941 St. John ..254/134.3 CL 2,663,544 12/1953 Harley ..254/ 134.3 CL 10 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures 4 ,l'ri

5 h l i m PATENTEBMARM I972 3,648,976

sum 1 0F 3 I INVENTOR.

BY Doryl Neale 5r. W, ZZ/

A TTORNEYS PATENTEUMAR 14 I972 3, 648 976 sum 2 or 3 INVENTOR.

BY Dory I Neal Sr. W,/% /V ATTORNEYS WIRE DISPENSING DEVICE The present invention relates to apparatus for spinning lashing members about an aerial cable and its supporting strand or messenger to attach the cable to said messenger and, more particularly, to an improved wire dispensing device for use on a cable lashing machine having a structure substantially as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,663,544 issued Dec. 22, 1953 to Joseph J. Harley.

It is common practice to use machines for lashing cables to a messenger with the machines being supported on the messenger and pulled along the messenger by a rope, cable, chain or the like, to cause rotation of a spinning head to wrap lashing wire around the messenger to fasten the cable tothe messenger.

Lashing or spinning machines usually carry a spool or reel on which a coil of wire is mounted and the spool or reel is revolved around the cable and supporting strand or messenger to wind the wire from the coil in a spiral or helical formation about the cable and strand as the machine is moved therealong by the pulling rope, chain, or cable.

The principal objects of the present invention are: to provide an improvement for cable lashing machines having a structure substantially as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,663,544 issued Dec. 22, 1953 to Joseph J. Harley, said improvement being a wire dispensing device for replacing wire dispensing structure on said machine; to provide such an improved wire dispensing device for use on machines for securing a cable to a supporting strand or messenger wherein wire is easily installed and retained in the dispensing device; to provide such a wire dispensing device for cable lashing machines which is operative to effect tension in the wire dispensed therefrom; to provide such a wire dispensing device which effects a smooth and even pay out of wire therefrom; to provide such a wire dispensing device wherein a coil of wire is contained within a wire cartridge which is easily installed and removed from the wire dispensing device; to provide such a wire dispensing device having a cone-shaped direction changing guide roller for directing the wire toward a cable and supporting strand or messenger to be lashed together; and to provide such a wire dispensing device which is easily and directly installed on the Harley type cable lashing machines, economical to manufacture, durable in construction, positive in operation, and particularly well adapted for the proposed use.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.

FIG 1 is a side elevational view of a cable lashing machine having a structure substantially as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,663,544, issued Dec. 22, 1953 to Joseph J. Harley.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the cable lashing machine modified to have an improved wire dispensing device mounted thereon embodying features of the present invention.

FlG. 3 is a transverse sectional view through the cable lashing machine taken on line 3-3, FIG. 2 and showing means for mounting the improved wire dispensing device thereon.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of wire guiding and tensioning means of the wire dispensing device.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on line 5-5, FIG. 2 and showing means for mounting of a wire cartridge in the improved wire dispensing device.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the wire guiding and tensioning means of the wire dispensing device.

Referring more in detail to the drawings:

The reference numeral 1 generally designates an improved wire dispensing device embodying features of the present invention and which is constructed for use with a cable lashing machine 2 for lashing or securing one or a plurality of aerial cables 3 to a supporting strand or messenger 4 by means of spirally or helically spun or wound lashing wire 5.

The improvement comprises modifications, as later described, to a cable lashing machine substantially the same in structure and operation as corresponding structure shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,663,544 issued Dec. 22, 1953 to Joseph J. Harley and includes structure providing for dispensing of lashing wire used to secure an aerial cable or cables to a messenger or strand and includes apparatus that dispenses the lashing wire, tensions same, and guides the wire toward a position on the cable or cables and supporting strand to be lashed together.

The cable lashing machine 2 has a chassis 6 having spaced apart stationary front and rear portions 7 and 8 respectively and a rotatable cylinder or drum 9 positioned therebetween and rotatable on the chassis 6. The front or forward portion 7 of the cable lashing machine 2 is stationary and houses a suitable driving mechanism for the rotatable drum 9 and suitable supports for the front portion 7 of the machine 2.

The rear portion 8 of the machine 2 is provided with suitable means for supporting said rear portion and for holding the cable or cables 3 to be secured to the supporting strand 4 in juxtaposition as the cable or cables 3 are lashed to the supporting strand 4.

The rotatable drum 9 is provided with suitable compartments l0 and 11 which are diametrically .opposed and carry preformed coils of lashing wire. The wirefrom either coil is paid out and wrapped around the supporting strand 4 and the cable or cables 3 as the machine advances along the supporting strand 4 and secures the strand and cable or cables together.

In preparation for installation of the improved wire dispensing device 1 on the cable lashing machine 2, a gate 12 and a pin supporting ear 13 having the gate 12 hingeably mounted thereon are removed from each of the wire compartments l0 and 11. Each gate 12 has a guide pulley or roller mounted thereon which is removed with the gate. A guide roller 14 is spaced from the guide roller mounted on each gate 12 and is positioned to be engaged by wire passing over the guide roller on the gate 12. Each guide roller 14 is also removed from the compartments 10 and, 11, however, a supporting spindle therefor remains to provide support, as later described, for the improved wire dispensing device 1.

A support member 15 for the improved wire dispensing device I is secured in each of the wire compartments l0 and 11 of the cable lashing machine 2 for rotatably supporting coils of the wire 5, as later described. The support member 15 has an elongated base portion 16 adapted to engage and be supported on walls 17 and 18 of the wire compartments l0 and 11 respectively. The illustrated base portion 16 has a notch or slot 19 in one end thereof adapted to receive suitable locking means, such as spring biased hinged bolts 20 and 21 in the compartments l0 and 11 and having threaded wing nuts 22 and 23 respectively of the cable lashing machine 2 to securely hold the support members 15 in position in the wire compartments l0 and 11 respectively.

A spindle 24 is suitably secured intermediate the ends of the base portion 16 and extends therefrom in a substantially norms] or perpendicular relation therewith for rotatably supporting a wire cartridge 25 for paying out lashing wire 5 during rotation of the drum 9, as later described.

The support member 15 has an upstanding portion 26 extending from the base portion 16 at an end thereof spaced from the notch or slot 19 with the upstanding portion 26 being positioned to provide clearance for the wire cartridge 25 when same is in place on the spindle 24. A flange 27 extends from an outer end of the upstanding portion 26 and the flange 27 is substantially parallel with the base portion 16 for supporting means for tensioning the wire 5 and guiding same from the wire dispensing device 1, as later described, toward the cable or cables 3 and the supporting strand 4 to be lashed together.

The wire cartridge 25 is illustrated as a housing having a coil 29 of the lashing wire 5 therein. The housing of the wire cartridge 25 has a base wall 30 adapted to be positioned substantially parallel with and spaced from the base portion 16 of the support member 15 and a sidewall 31 extending from a peripheral edge of the base wall 30 to define a wire chamber [01077 In! H within the wire cartridge 25 which is closed by a lid 32 having a central opening or aperture 33 positioned to have the wire from the coil 29 extending therethrough during operation of the cable lashing machine 2.

A spindle receiving portion 34 extends normally or perpendicularly from the base wall 30 and through the opening 33 in the lid 32. The spindle receiving portion 34 has a bore or passage 35 therethrough for receiving the spindle 24 therein when the wire cartridge 25 is mounted on the support member 15.

The spindle receiving portion 34 is removably mounted on the spindle 24 for rotation thereabout and means are provided for securing the spindle receiving portion 34 on the spindle 24 during the rotation of the wire cartridge 25. The means securing the wire cartridge 25 on the spindle 24 are illustrated as including an internally threaded recess 36 in the spindle 24 and extending coaxially therewith to receive therein a suitable fastening member, such as threaded screw 37 having a head portion 38 received in a suitable counterbore 39 in the spindle receiving portion 34.

It is desirable to provide means on the lid 32 for moving same to an open position to install the coil 29 of lashing wire 5 therein and for enclosing said coil of lashing wire within the chamber defined by the base wall 30, sidewall 31, and lid 32, therefore, a suitable hinge, such as leaf hinge 40, is mounted in a position having leaves 41 and 42 thereof secured to the sidewall 31 and the lid 32 respectively. Suitable latches 43 and 44 are mounted on an exterior surface of the side wall 31 and have resiliently mounted keeper portions 45 and 46 respectively movable into engagement with an exterior surface of the lid 32 for holding same in a closed position.

Wire 5 extending from the wire cartridge passes through the opening or aperture 33 and engages a guide member 47 mounted on the flange 27 of the support member 15 for guiding the wire toward a plurality of tensioning pins, as later described. The guide member 47 is illustrated as an inverted U-shaped member extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the flange 27 and having a passage therethrough for travel of the wire 5 from the cartridge 25 toward the wire tensioning means.

The wire tensioning means is illustrated as a plurality of spaced pins 48, 49, and 50 mounted on and extending from an exterior surface of the flange 27 and spaced from the guide member 47. The pins 48, 49, and 50 are arranged in a pattern to be engaged by the wire 5 after engaging and passing through the inverted U-shaped guide member 47. The pins are mounted to extend transverse to a path of the wire 5 and are positioned to have the wire 5 follow substantially S-shaped path as having the wire passing around at least a pair of the pins with one of the pair of pins being determined by the gauge of the wire wherein larger gauge wire follows a path designated 51 and smaller gauge wire may follow a path designated 52 and shown in broken lines in FIG. 6.

The paths 5!. and 52 each direct the wire 5 toward a direction changing guide roller 53 rotatably mounted on the flange 27 for directing the wire from the wire dispensing device 1 toward the cable or cables 3 and the supporting strand 4 to be lashed'together. The illustrated guide roller is mounted on a spindle 54 suitably secured to and extending from the flange 27 of the supporting member 15 and spaced from the wire tensioning pins 48, 49, and 50 and includes a conical body portion 55 in the form of a frustum of a cone. The conical body portion 55 has annular flanges 56 and 57 on opposite ends thereof whereby wire engaging the body portion 55 is retained in engagement thereon and the wire is directed from the wire dispensing device 1 and toward the cable or cables 3 and supporting strand 4 for lashing same together.

it is desirable to provide keeper means between the tensioning pins and the guide roller 53 to cooperate with the guide member 47 for retaining the wire 5 in engagement with the selected tensioning pins, therefore, a keeper member 58 is mounted on the flange 27 and is illustrated as generally inverted L-shaped member having an arm 59 spaced from and generally parallel with an exterior surface of the flange 27.

The arm 59 is preferably positioned inwardly of outer ends of the pins 48, 49 and 50 and outwardly of an outer end or flange of the guide roller 53 to thereby retain the wire 5 in engagement with the selected tensioning pins and the body portion 55 of the guide roller 53.

The flange 27 is supported on a boss 60 mounted on the spindle which supported the removed guide roller 14 and suitably secured to said spindle, as by an allen screw 61, whereby the bolts 20 and 21 and the wing nut 22 and 23 thereon secure and support one end of the support member 15 and the boss 60 and the allen screw 61 secure and support the other end of the support member 15 within the respective wire compartments 10 and 11.

In using a wire dispensing device 1, constructed as illustrated and described, in the cable lashing machine 2, the gate 12 and the ear 13 supporting same are removed from each of the wire compartments l0 and 11 and the guide roller 14 is also removed from its supporting spindle which remains to thereby permit the support member 15 to be secured in the wire compartments l0 and 11 by the hinged bolts and wing nuts and the boss and allen screw, as previously described. A wire cartridge 25 is mounted in each of the wire compartments by placing the spindle receiving portion 34 thereof on the respective spindle 24 and securing same for rotation thereabout. An end portion of the wire 5 from each cartridge 25 is moved through the opening or aperture 33 in the lid 32 and moved into engagement with and through the guide member 47 and around the selected tensioning pins, as determined by the gauge of the wire. The end portion of the wire 5 is then moved between the arm 59 of the keeper member 58 and the flange 27 and around the direction changing guide roller 53. The respective end portion of the wire 5 is then suitably secured to the supporting strand 4 as by the suitable clips and the cable lashing machine 2 is pulled along the supporting strand 4 by means of a suitable flexible member, such as a rope, cable, chain or the like, to thereby rotate the drum 9 and wrap the wires 5 from the compartments l0 and 11 around the cable or cables 3 and the supporting strand 4 in a spiral or helical path to lash same together.

It is to be understood that while I have illustrated and described one form of my invention, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a cable lashing machine for securing a cable to a supporting strand and comprising a chassis having spaced apart stationary front and rear portions and a rotatable drum positioned therebetween and rotatable on the chassis and having diametrically opposed compartments for preformed coils of lashing wire, a wire dispensing device for said wire compartments and comprising:

a. a support member secured in a wire compartment in a cable lashing machine for securing a cable to a supporting strand;

b. means on said support member for mounting a coil of lashing wire;

c. means on said support member and spaced from said coil mounting means to receive wire from the coil and guide same therefrom;

. means on said support member and spaced from said wire guiding means to receive wire therefrom and effect tension therein; and

e. second wire guiding means on said support member and spaced from said wire tensioning means to receive wire therefrom and direct same from the wire compartment.

2. A wire dispensing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said coil mounting means includes:

a. a spindle mounted on said support member and extending therefrom; and

b. a housing having a coil of lashing wire therein, said housing having a spindle receiving portion and walls defining a chamber therein, one of said walls having said spindle receiving portion extending therefrom and through an opening in an other of said walls, the opening in the other wall of said housing being positioned to have wire from the coil extending therethrough.

3. A wire dispensing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said wire tensioning means comprises a plurality of spaced pins mounted on said support member and spaced from said first named wire guiding means and positioned to be engaged by wire after engaging said first named wire guiding means, said pins extending transverse to a path of said wire.

4. A wire dispensing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second wire guiding means comprises:

a. a conical body portion, said body portion being a frustum of a cone;

b. means for rotatably mounting said body portion in the wire compartment of the cable lashing machine for securing a cable to a supporting strand; and

c. an annular flange on each end of said body portion whereby wire engaging same is retained in engagement thereon and the wire is directed toward a cable and supporting strand to be lashed together.

5. A wire dispensing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said coil mounting means includes:

a. a spindle mounted on said support member and extending therefrom;

b. a housing having a spindle receiving portion removably mounted on said spindle for rotation thereabout, said housing having walls defining a chamber therein with one of said walls having the spindle receiving portion extending therefrom and through an opening in an other of said walls;

c. means engaging said spindle and said spindle receiving portion for securing said housing on said spindle for rotation thereabout; and

d. means on the wall having the opening therein for hingedly mounting same on said housing for enclosing the coil of lashing wire within the chamber and having one end of the wire extending through the opening.

6. A wire dispensing device as set forth in claim 5 wherein said wire tensioning means comprises a plurality of spaced pins mounted on said support member and spaced from said first named wire guiding means and positioned to be engaged by wire after engaging said first named wire guiding means, said pins extending transverse to a path of said wire.

7. A wire dispensing device as set forth in claim 6 wherein said second wire guiding means comprises:

a. a conical body portion said body portion being a frustum of a cone;

b. means for rotatably mounting said body portion in the wire compartment of the cable lashing machine for securing a cable to a supporting strand; and

c. an annular flange on each end of said body portion whereby wire engaging same is retained in engagement thereon and the wire is directed toward a cable and supporting strand to be lashed together.

8. In a cable lashing machine for securing a cable to a supporting strand and comprising a chassis having spaced apart stationary front and rear portions and a rotatable drum positioned therebetween and rotatable on the chassis and having diametrically opposed compartments for preformed coils of lashing wire, a wire dispensing device for said wire compart ments and comprising:

a. a support member secured in a wire compartment in a cable lashing machine for securing a cable to a supporting strand;

b. means on said support member for mounting a coil of lashing wire;

c. a guide member mounted on said support member and positioned to be engaged by wire extending from the coil of lashing wire and guide same therefrom;

d. a plurality of spaced pins mounted on said support member and spaced from said guide member, said pins being positioned to be engaged by wire after engaging said guide member to effect tension therein; and e. a guide roller mounted on said support member and spaced from said pins, said guide roller being positioned to be engaged by wire after engaging said pins for directing wire from the wire compartment.

9. A wire dispensing device as set forth in claim 8 wherein said coil mounting means includes:

a. a spindle mounted on said support member and extending therefrom;

b. a housing having a coil of lashing wire therein and a spindle receiving portion removably mounted on said spindle for rotation thereabout, said housing having walls defining a chamber therein with one of said walls having the spindle receiving portion extending therefrom and through an opening in an other of said walls;

c. means engaging said spindle and said spindle receiving portion for securing said housing on said spindle for rotation thereabout; and

d. means on the wall having the opening therein for hingedly mounting same on said housing for enclosing the coil of lashing wire within the chamber and having one end of the wire extending through the opening.

10. A wire dispensing device as set forth in claim 9 wherein said guide roller comprises:

a. a conical body portion, said body portion being a frustum of a cone;

b. means for rotatably mounting said body portion in the wire compartment of the cable lashing machine for securing a cable to a supporting strand; and

c. an annular flange on each end of said body portion whereby wire engaging same is retained in engagement thereon and the wire is directed toward a cable and supporting strand to be lashed together. 

1. In a cable lashing machine for securing a cable to a supporting strand and comprising a chassis having spaced apart stationary front and rear portions and a rotatable drum positioned therebetween and rotatable on the chassis and having diametrically opposed compartments for preformed coils of lashing wire, a wire dispensing device for said wire compartments and comprising: a. a support member secured in a wire compartment in a cable lashing machine for securing a cable to a supporting strand; b. means on said support member for mounting a coil of lashing wire; c. means on said support member and spaced from said coil mounting means to receive wire from the coil and guide same therefrom; d. means on said support member and spaced from said wire guiding means to receive wire therefrom and effect tension therein; and e. second wire guiding means on said support member and spaced from said wire tensioning means to receive wire therefrom and direct same from the wire compartment.
 2. A wire dispensing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said coil mounting means includes: a. a spindle mounted on said support member and extending therefrom; and b. a housing having a coil of lashing wire therein, said housing having a spindle receiving portion and walls defining a chamber therein, one of said walls having said spindle receiving portion extending therefrom and through an opening in an other of said walls, the opening in the other wall of said housing being positioned to have wire from the coil extending therethrough.
 3. A wire dispensing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said wire tensioning means comprises a plurality of spaced pins mounted on said support member and spaced from said first named wire guiding means and positioned to be engaged by wire after engaging said first named wire guiding means, said pins extending transverse to a path of said wire.
 4. A wire dispensing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second wire guiding means comprises: a. a conical body portion, said body portion being a frustum of a cone; b. means for rotatably mounting said body portion in the wire compartment of the cable lashing machine for securing a cable to a supporting strand; and c. an annular flange on each end of said body portion whereby wire engaging same is retained in engagement thereon and the wire is directed toward a cable and supporting strand to be lashed together.
 5. A wire dispensing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said coil mounting means includes: a. a spindle mounted on said support member and extending therefrom; b. a housing having a spindle receiving portion removably mounted on said spindle for rotation thereabout, said housing having walls defining a chamber therein with one of said walls having the spindle receiving portion extending therefrom and through an opening in an other of said walls; c. means engaging said spindle and said spindle receiving portion for securing said housing on said spindle for rotation thereabout; and d. means on the wall having the opening therein for hingedly mounting same on said housing for enclosing the coil of lashing wire within the chamber and having one end of the wire extending through the opening.
 6. A wire dispensing device as set forth in claim 5 wherein said wire tensioning means comprises a plurality of spaced pins mounted on said support member and spaced from said first named wire guiding means and positioned to be engaged by wire after engaging said first named wire guiding means, said pins extending transverse to a path of said wire.
 7. A wire dispensing device as set forth in claim 6 wherein said second wire guiding means comprises: a. a conical body portion said body portion being a frustum of a cone; b. means for rotatabLy mounting said body portion in the wire compartment of the cable lashing machine for securing a cable to a supporting strand; and c. an annular flange on each end of said body portion whereby wire engaging same is retained in engagement thereon and the wire is directed toward a cable and supporting strand to be lashed together.
 8. In a cable lashing machine for securing a cable to a supporting strand and comprising a chassis having spaced apart stationary front and rear portions and a rotatable drum positioned therebetween and rotatable on the chassis and having diametrically opposed compartments for preformed coils of lashing wire, a wire dispensing device for said wire compartments and comprising: a. a support member secured in a wire compartment in a cable lashing machine for securing a cable to a supporting strand; b. means on said support member for mounting a coil of lashing wire; c. a guide member mounted on said support member and positioned to be engaged by wire extending from the coil of lashing wire and guide same therefrom; d. a plurality of spaced pins mounted on said support member and spaced from said guide member, said pins being positioned to be engaged by wire after engaging said guide member to effect tension therein; and e. a guide roller mounted on said support member and spaced from said pins, said guide roller being positioned to be engaged by wire after engaging said pins for directing wire from the wire compartment.
 9. A wire dispensing device as set forth in claim 8 wherein said coil mounting means includes: a. a spindle mounted on said support member and extending therefrom; b. a housing having a coil of lashing wire therein and a spindle receiving portion removably mounted on said spindle for rotation thereabout, said housing having walls defining a chamber therein with one of said walls having the spindle receiving portion extending therefrom and through an opening in an other of said walls; c. means engaging said spindle and said spindle receiving portion for securing said housing on said spindle for rotation thereabout; and d. means on the wall having the opening therein for hingedly mounting same on said housing for enclosing the coil of lashing wire within the chamber and having one end of the wire extending through the opening.
 10. A wire dispensing device as set forth in claim 9 wherein said guide roller comprises: a. a conical body portion, said body portion being a frustum of a cone; b. means for rotatably mounting said body portion in the wire compartment of the cable lashing machine for securing a cable to a supporting strand; and c. an annular flange on each end of said body portion whereby wire engaging same is retained in engagement thereon and the wire is directed toward a cable and supporting strand to be lashed together. 